Presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman announced in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Monday, "I am suspending my campaign for the presidency." He
gave his backing to Mitt Romney, stating that "despite our differences
and the space between us" Romney was the candidate who would be capable
of defeating President Obama.

Huntsman stressed that the current divisiveness in the Republican race
and partisanship on a national level is "corrosive" and "toxic" and
"does not advance America's interests." He said, "My candidacy was
staked on the simple principle of country first."

Huntsman was the other Mormon former governor, but despite, or perhaps because of his moderate stance, he came third in the New Hampshire primaries on Jan. 10,
and was shown polling behind Stephen Colbert in South Carolina. Since
Huntsman plans to endorse fellow moderate Mitt Romney, James Fallows at The Atlantic noted that his campaign deleted some potentially damaging anti-Romney videos from his campaign website.

Huntsman’s campaign, despite fiscally conservative policies and
gaffe-free appearances, was lagging in the polls from the very
beginning, noted The Associated Press.
While Romney and other viable candidates were wooing voters and putting
in media appearances, Huntsman was still in China, carrying out his
duty as the United States ambassador to China.

Serving as an official appointed by the Obama administration also didn’t win Huntsman any conservative supporters, said the Guardian.
“Many conservatives didn't see working for Obama, even in a
traditionally nonpartisan role, as putting country above party. They saw
it as an act of disloyalty, or worse, putting power before principle.”

Huntsman’s moderate tone on social issues also set him apart from the
conservatives dominating the early part of the Republican race,
prompting media portrayals of him as a credible threat to Obama. He
coyly poked fun at his fellow candidates in a tweet,
"To be clear. I believe in evolution and trust scientists on global
warming. Call me crazy." However, his stance and tact might have worked
against him as Politico noted, “he came across as the sober diplomat he
is, lacking the charisma and fire Republican primary voters are hungry
for this year.”

According to Politico,
which quoted sources within the campaign, “The campaign had no money
for TV and radio ads or even direct mail pieces this coming week.”

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